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The perfecting of nylon strings (1947) enabled guitarists to produce more consistent tones and project their sound much further. Segovia's gratitude to Albert Augustine for this achievement is 'echoed' by that of today's leading guitarists and the 'modern' strings received the maestro's lifelong endorsement.
At one time or another Segovia was resident in Spain, The United States, Switzerland and Argentina. Then, at the age of 75, he returned to his native Andalusia with his young wife, Emilita, to build the new home, Los Olivos, on the Costa del Sol as close as he could to his childhood Granada.
'... our Lord put the seed of music in my soul ...' Segovia at Alhambra. Screenshot © 2005 Opus Arte/Allegro Films
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The second, later documentary, Song of the Guitar, a further testament of homage by Christopher Nupen (the maestro's long-time friend) is set in The Alhambra and in Granada where Segovia spent his childhood
[watch and listen -- 'Song of the Guitar' chapter 3, 4:18-5:34].
Looking back on a lifetime of profound dedication, Segovia speaks movingly of the guitar's melancholy echoes; sounds most surely at home within these historic palaces and gardens.
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Copyright © 9 January 2008
Howard Smith, Masterton, New Zealand
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